Chip scale optical systems

Abstract

An optical phased array including a wafer, optical waveguides, a root optical waveguide, the root optical waveguide being optically connected at one end to one optical waveguide, another end of the root optical waveguide constituting an optical port, optical couplers disposed in an array and located on the wafer, the optical waveguides optically connecting the optical couplers to the optical port via respective optical paths, one optical path per optical coupler, configurable optical delay lines; each configurable optical delay line being disposed in one respective optical path from the respective optical paths; the configurable optical delay lines being configured such that the optical couplers emit a non-planar phase front near field radiation pattern from light received from a light source coupled to the optical port.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 501,389, filed May 4, 2017, entitled CHIP SCALE OPTICAL SYSTEMS, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates generally to optical phased arrays and, more particularly, to optical components including optical phased arrays.[0003]Phased arrays of antennas are used in radar and other applications in which a direction of an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal needs to be ascertained or in which an RF signal needs to be transmitted in a particular direction. One or more receivers, transmitters or transceivers are electrically connected to an array of antennas via feed lines, such as waveguides or coaxial cables. Taking a transmitter case as an example, the transmitter(s) operate such that the phase of the signal at each antenna is separately controlled. Signals radiated by the various ant...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes an optical phased array system that is small in size. The system includes a wafer, optical waveguides, an optical port, and optical couplers. The couplers are configured to emit a non-planar phase front near field radiation pattern, which can bend or focus light in a predetermined pattern. The technical effects of this system include improved optical imaging and sensing capabilities due to its compact size and ability to bend or focus light in a precise manner.

Problems solved by technology

Signals radiated by the various antennas constructively and destructively interfere with each other in the space in front of the antenna array.

In many of those applications, the range of practical applications is hindered by the size of the optical system.

A common limitation in microscopy applications is the inability to image deep within tissue or turbid / strongly scattering media.

Index variations lead to scattering and the distortion of phase fronts, which impact imaging mechanisms and reduce signal.

This can limit the effectiveness of confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and two-photon microscopy or place limitations on the thickness of samples investigated with these techniques because all three rely on achieving a tightly focused beam spot at the focal point.

However, phase conjugate imaging often relies on free space optics, precise alignment, and requiring the use of an SLM greatly increases the cost of the equipment.

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